Iobates

[ahy-ob-uh-teez, ee-ob-]

noun

Classical Mythology.

1. a Lycian king commissioned by his son-in-law, Proetus, to kill Bellerophon: after surviving ordeals designed to destroy him, Bellerophon was believed to be divinely protected, and Iobates gave him half his kingdom.

Example Sentences

He had been ordered by King Iobates of Lycia in Anatolia, whose countryside the Chimera was ravaging, to kill the beast; but as is typical of Greek myth, Bellerophon’s monster slaying had all begun with an unsolicited romantic entanglement with the daughter of another king, Proitos of Tiryns, in the Peloponnese.

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Prœtus, indignant at what he deemed deep treachery on the part of an honored guest, yet reluctant to punish him with his own hand as he deserved, sent Bellerophon to Iobates, King of Lycia, with a sealed message bidding him put the bearer to death.

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After some time, Bellerophon suddenly remembered the sealed message intrusted to his care, and hastened to deliver it to Iobates, with many apologies for his forgetfulness.

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Although very courageous, Bellerophon’s heart beat fast with fear when told what great deed he must accomplish; and he left Iobates’ palace very sorrowfully, for he dearly loved the king’s fair daughter, Philonoe, and was afraid he would never see her again.

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Land ruled by Iobates, who sends Bellerophon to slay the Chimæra, 291, 295.

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